It's three days later. I shuffle around in my sleep as I try to stay in my unconscious state, but of course...I wake up to the prodding of Ciaran's voice.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSg267IsB6f
"Iris...wake up.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36Ntocvx9L
I grab a pillow from beside me and smash it right into his face. I instantly wake up when throws it right back.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb28nC0lvxV
"Ciaran!" I angrily stare back at him.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcRUzQ6xR2
"Someone was at the door..." He lied.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsOLksQIBr
"Well, why didn't you open it?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5TWDIhAb8
Ciaran answers with a scoff and a sip of his cup of tea.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFArgCVuGU
Groaning, I get up from bed and get ready for the day.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FmZkJFdUA
"And what is your objective today, Araginee?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1Vcq3tEtT
"Why does it matter to you?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQ4RteBEOz
"You just seem to be...in a rush."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAfh3BjitR
"Is it wrong to just freshen up?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHREpGvin6L
"Well, if you are going somewhere, it's only fair I go with you."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7O6mMUJBH8
"I don't care if you go with me, just don't be up to any Darken shenanigans."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBL3GYxX83
"I promise, I have no affiliations with my mother at this point in time." He smirks.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iLkOlONZG
"Good. Now let's go.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfSCQUhRMj
I opened the door and walked into the hallway. Ciaran floats quietly behind me.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCjvGhcI6w
"So, where are we going, Iris?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH02U1ysJd6
"First, I'm going to check on Ecluna, then..." I think for a second. "I... actually don't know what I'm going to do after that."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjvX4GTUTA
"I am quite famished.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDWUH8QWGG
"You can make your own food, Ciaran..."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡre26ph1gwR
"...Very true.." He creates a tart right then and there and takes a bite.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpknnTY1JG
I sigh and walk my way towards Ecluna's dorm room.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQT06OQ2iqu
I hear rapid footsteps pacing on the other side. Nonetheless, I knock on the door.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSPhsKyoso
"Coming!"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkAteJ3D6H
Ecluna opens the door...as I saw the room in almost...complete darkness. Her curtains were covered, almost completely.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OUTcMiiIn
"... What's with all the darkness?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3QzU0Y3hI
"Just a precaution...
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYHv4JYdrG
"Have you been pacing here in the dark the entire time?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AK4qtmyen
"I was thinking...about... something. It doesn't matter..."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA59UydXuHZ
"Mom said to take care of you and to take you home before the Eclipse Festival. She said something would happen...is that what you're being precautionary for? "
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8S42dI4M08
Ecluna's stiffened up. "...Yeah, something would happen to me during a lunar eclipse. It only happened once...but it was when I was really young, s-so, I don't r-remember.." she sadly chuckled.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJn7ea8Blv7
I could tell from her expression and body language she was lying.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafnw5M7M7a
"Do you want me to stay with you today?'
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMkKNNwLXS
"No, I'm sure you have some o-other stuff you can do other than worry about me..."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡha4pIc2JuJ
"I'm worried about you because you're my friend. If there's anything, and I mean anything you need to talk about.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACsbp0gYqn
"...I'm fine, Iris. You're just overreacting..."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8Bb53Hvw8
"... Alright.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17osXfaL6t
"...I'm gonna do some necromancy magic...I'll talk to you later, okay?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91IevAp0Gh
"Okay..."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyWKRmlvEv
I walk out the door. Ciaran was patiently waiting outside the door for me.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6h2whDFIAf
"Are we ready to leave?" he asked.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlDCGC7qkm
I nod. "...Yes, let's go."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJHtVkCTZ4
We start to walk to our destination. I just kept looking at the floor and thinking about Ecluna's behavior during our conversation.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkvVreEilU
"You are looking somber.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72mLxVvz6g
"I'm worried about Ecluna, but she won't tell me what's wrong.. it's not any of your business, so why do you care?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2SghP2gpU
"I just wanted to start conversation is all."
He takes yet another sip of tea.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2imGSJNULY
"I'm...gonna visit Jake now. It wouldn't be smart to follow me."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLT5WXUx2c
"I shall return to your room, then." He says, fading away into a puddle of black smoke.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSnnBwqtfp
I go downstairs to the infirmary and calmly knock on the door. When it slides open, Ms. Ikura greets me with a sweet smile.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOAA26Cr9p
"Hello, Iris! Come to check on Mr. Kaliber?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BzxP2jDkO
I nod. "Mhm. Is he awake now?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikV1Zo9aE0
"I'm afraid the pain has kept him up all night, so yes.." she opens the door more to let me in.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyVxNGSmTz
Jake was messy-haired and barely awake, only conscious from the pain Ms. Ikura just mentioned.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgOrj4geNG
"Hey Iris..." he croaked.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYR0588rXK
"Hi Jake! How are you feeling?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1voPdLAQQ
"Awful, but I can deal."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jk5PQnskK
"You should really get some sleep. You have bags under your eyes.." I joke.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSBGVq07Xj
"Very funny." He chortles back. "I'll go to sleep when the pain eases down a bit."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zClPZ5G6R
Ms. Ikura comes in with some yogurt, a cup of coffee and some medicinal herbs, all on a tray.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8JqNyoPjI
"There you are Mr. Kaliber. I brought you something to ease discomfort before you take the medicine. You don't hate blueberry yogurt, do you?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpB3xalIf7
"Not at all." he says grabbing the cup and a spoon.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfhPONyQNc
"I also noticed how much you like your morning coffee. Only drink it after your medicine."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqs5He0aowe
"Alright.." he says before eating another spoonful of yogurt.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteTD6sR4pQ
"I'm gonna go ahead. I have my own check-up to get to. I'll come back later."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwe2Z4McHI
"See you later, Iris."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDelSHxYMi
I pat his head and walk out.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqrVMvdK0x
As soon as I exit the infirmary, I bumped Aluise, eager to get somewhere.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQoBxGpjZc
"...Iris...it's been a while..." Aluise greets.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlEgXVZfHu
I don't think I've ever heard Aluise with such a calm tone of voice before.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKdEAthspJ
"Hi, Aluise. Are you going to see Jake too?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbl5Ual2YuA
"N-No...there's a bathroom just past the infirmary. That's why I was in a rush.."
She responded. "Besides, you know how much I hate Jake.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwYNcra9gQ
"Oh, I'm sorry for getting in your way then.." I step aside.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvN7A6VkG8P
"Thanks." she runs up the hall and turns the corner.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNZpIXaRw4
I continue my journey to Arelin's room. It was two flights of stairs all the way up to the top floor.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MDEvgoizf
Once I get there, I knock on the door, only to notice...the door was unlocked.
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I push the door open. It was pitch black inside, aside from the the curtain's small crack showing the morning sun.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HB4ntIiJB
A draft as soon as I came in...the window was open..
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLU8yjPmRw
"A-Arelin? Are you here?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Wf7Hl3Rv0
I attempt to turn on the lights, but the glass shards immediately told me something had already happened..
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXikeT6tYDV
I run to the window. Light traces of blood on the windowsill, windows completely shattered.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR65w5Bu2Qz
What happened? I thought to myself.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJm6Xb10jo
"A-Arelin? If you can hear me-"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqpNPDtTQc
Suddenly, the door widens, I hear an almost silent squeak as the light from the hallway brightened up the the room. Slowly, I turn around.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIR0r15hKo
"...Iris. I didn't expect you to be here.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLZx7afd3m
Arelin was only slightly injured, with his sister, back in her turned form.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2Eim1t6Bi
"Are you okay?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qlQVknal7
"Alena turned...for some reason. She was just almost completely recovered..." he leaves her on the bed. "Weeks of progress has reset back to zero..."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnDI0QKXvD
"Don't worry!" I assure. "We'll just have to wait it out, like before.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Qm6kTdpg1
"Getting a word out of her took months on it's own. I don't know how far back she's gone from recovery.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLEUeng2Ml
Arelin flips through his notebook. "It's like...no matter how hard I try..."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGyjea4lQV
I rip the book from his hands.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTnK1S3f4M
"Arelin, I know you want to save me and your sister but...you need to take a break, maybe take a walk and...keep your mind off of work."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mljxburR7
I calmly place the notebook on the desk beside me.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0ypl62vyf
"It hurts me to see you...so disheveled and disoriented..."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDpqm1did1
"I feel like I'm the one who has to find a cure and save you. If you turn... there'd be no one to stop you.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiU0xGC8ezX
"Listen. The stress is already bad enough. Staring at notes all day isn't going to ease it." I slowly grab his hand. "Just a small walk. I'm sure it'll help clear those thoughts."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8UEO3ijSr
"...Is it warm outside?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKa9YGxtkl
"I haven't been out yet. I was planning on it after your check.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RMSoEPs54
"Well, it's obvious you're still your determined, assertive self. We can go ahead now."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA921wGefPI
"Great!"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvs55txJuh
I run out the door, practically dragging Arelin along with me, all the way down the stairs, and outside.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7gqRKzBPS
It was a calming day. The grass only barely waved in the wind, and the sky was a brilliant blue.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVisOGV7VE
"Iris...I forgot my coat..."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXr6V5QXnS
"It's so warm though, you don't need a coat.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzIHj7ZF3U
"I just feel...bare without it."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC33es12kmg
"I think the coat was holding you back. Besides, it feels wonderful out here."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRbXvanpFT
I run to ledge the Academy loomed over and sit, listening to the whimsical music of the Ringmaster's Circus.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXTcfP6Lsb
"I'm sorry for bringing you out if you didn't want be.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRh8h3wwTn
"It's fine...I needed a break after the morning I've had.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1SuFRYKRj
"...You can check on Alena and come back, I'll stay right here."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHoTmfizmh
"Okay. I'll be right back."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kWyOJHz43
Arelin walks back inside. I stare at the grassy meadow around the cliff. The late morning sun only brightened its color.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEpJuMV876
"Did you plan to just leave me in that uncomfortably hot room, Araginee?"
Ciaran rhetorically asks.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaCbPPEEOH
"You didn't have to stay in there. If you know where I am at all times, why not come as soon as I left the infirmary?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8i6G6Me6n
"...That is why I am so fond of you. You are unaware of the world opposite to your own.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIup3Zc5N8
"I'm...intentionally being unaware...so you or your mother don't pull me in."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8EWplkEh6
"...Do you want to learn?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktsJCtwcBC
"What's the catch?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbYzyDFpdF
"Hmm?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaB2vXvXoRF
"You're obviously going to make a deal that'll mess with everything, so what's the catch?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dqtFvLONi
"...There is no catch, Araginee..."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uTISCHJXn
I hear walking behind us. "I knew you would come here Ciaran..."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQvefVjOhO
"...Hi Iris.." Alena whispered, cradled in Arelin's arms.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjyWgQ84wT
"Hi Alena. You're okay right?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBKtfGEfHc
She nods silently, curling herself like a ball in Arelin's arms.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgFZSSlfzV
"She's still upset about attacking me earlier."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fRpVAIkuC
"I'll be okay for now Arelin.." she slips from his hands and curls up on the luscious grass.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsHzXKWmet
"Alright.." Arelin says. "Iris. I'm sorry for asking on such short notice but...would you like to spar?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1MADxiB6a
That foggy memory of Jake when I punched him some days back flashed in my head as he said that.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbZCyvdKZO
"I don't want to hurt you like I did with Jake. I'll just put another one of you guys in the infirmary.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5OGvVDmgi
"I want to prevent something like this from happening again. This is just a test of mine."
He stands back to face me.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc07j8FFQn6
"B-but..."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCblfZn7cCY
"I'll be more careful than Jake."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7e3MqTFfJI
"If you will not fight him..." Ciaran states, throwing his flowing cape behind him. "Then allow me to."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52wvR3nXfV
I shake my head. "...I'll spar with him. Like he said, it's just a test."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcB3Y5BwU9G
My hands quiver...
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkaGSjGK6d
"Iris. Don't be afraid. I'll be able to dodge them.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYuL3a4zq7
I breathe shakily, telling myself to hold back. I pull the green essence from the grass and gather it as an orb in front of me.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IF3zMXw3f
"Good. That ability seems to be normal."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OSlD5Vh93
The sphere begins to zap and electrify all over.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldhg1LTBxJ
"Don't be afraid. It's all part of the plan."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67vFszoWLw
I feel hesitant to finish the attack. Then, a cool breeze brushes against my shoulders, almost massaging the tension from my body.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3r5D2OirS5
"Don't worry Iris...I think Lin has good intentions.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGGw9G2IGM
I look behind me. "E-Espero?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglPZ8HZ8zr
"Don't mind me, I'm just moral support..."
He nods towards Arelin. "Now, take the shot. I don't think I've seen this part of your powers before.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9PSFoGUdu
I hold my arm up, the orb ready to fire at my command. Arelin stood stagnant, waiting for me. Finally, with a flick of my wrists, they fly off towards him. I close my eyes, cringing at the thought.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVykwFkBQy1
Four loud thuds echo throughout the air.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfmUhlkgWq
"...I'm lucky I had that barrier. One of those on it's own would've put me in a critical condition."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoHW1mPpZF
Arelin was okay, only able to stay safe with the barrier he put up beforehand.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aljuRLJYu
"D-don't scare me like that!" I yell from the other side of the cliff.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsonAoSUhM8
"I'm sorry. I wanted you to use that ability exactly to determine how strong it was."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYYJnNLP9u
He pulls out his notebook and walks towards me. "What do you call it again?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI71xkCw5B4
"... I've never thought about it. I was never good with names.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUarIdR66h
Espero's spirit faded in. "Well, if the color becomes from her draining it from something..."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbchxcUDwtk
Arelin was taken aback by his sudden entrance.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXiydp6lfC
"Espero?" He waves his hand around throughout Espero's face, which phases through him like air.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cZojQXYRS
"...Yeah. It's me. Ecluna decided to do necromancy and brought me back...I was having such a fun time in the spiritual world too.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmi5NhLujJ
He shakes his head. "Anyways, I'm thinking we should call it Hue Assimilate."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaMzVW9yPn
"I like that one.." I whispered.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZLsCXxxh9
"Good." I feel his freezing cold air run against my hair. "...Welp, I'm gonna go. See you guys later."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAw855NnVbK
He looks at Ciaran. "And you... don't do anything stupid, alright?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJaT14vJMF
Espero, once again, disappears with the wind, leaving me to look at Arelin face to face.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3AzqgsKi2
"...Can we find some safer ways to check my power level?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkFl7yWqUw
"If I can find a way, then yes.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaOi03O1Mi
"Jeez, is there anywhere you two won't be together?" Aluise yells from the entrance of the Academy.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnhuCPkIsm
"Nice to see you again too, Aluise..." Arelin greets back. "Did you need anything?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKxDKAVtQl
"Nothing really, I just noticed you four were out here and I wanted to get some fresh air too.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq721sZF9G9
"Well, no one's stopping you. Go ahead, we were just finishing a spar session. Did you want to-"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLDScHwqMM
"No. I'm only fighting with Jake so I can show him...how much of an idiot he is.."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtXkHO4If3
"Speaking of which, how is Jake?" Ciaran asks jokingly.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxwZvH7sSy
"I actually went to check after I went to the bathroom, he was awake when I last checked..."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLG13hT8PYe
She saw the expressions on our faces and quickly changed her own.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVCQhuAJQe
"That idiot is too hurt to be by himself! I was just being nice for a change!"
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"I doubt that's the real reason, but I'll take your word for it.." Arelin chuckled.
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"Besides.." Aluise calms her tone. "He's done a lot for me, even if he's annoying and pesters me the most.."
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She sighs heavily. "...I'm going back inside. I'll see you later.."
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"Bye Aluise!"
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I sigh myself.
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"You know, you should sign up for the competition tomorrow, just to show everyone how strong you are."
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"What if I-"
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"You won't. I know you won't let yourself turn." He places a warm hand on my face. "You're worrying too much.."
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The school clock hums it's usual song, reminding us that it was now noon.
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"Well, this was nice..." I said. "Should we go back inside?"
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"Yes, we should." Arelin responds, slipping his notebook back into his pocket.
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"Indeed. This sun is killing me.." Ciaran says, pulling his hood above his head, his face obscured by shadow. We trudge back indoors as the windows gleam with the sun's brightness.
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"Hey Arelin, I'll talk to you later, okay?"
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"Alright. I'll be my room if you need me." He grabs ahold of Alena's hand and walks up the hall while I go the opposite way with Ciaran.
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"Ciaran, can you do me a favor?"
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"Of course, my love.."
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"Do you mind checking on Ecluna for me?"
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"What for?"
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"Does there have to be a reason? It's none of your business anyways..."
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"...Fine, I shall return by your side once I have."
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"Okay.."
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"Oh? No mean quip or remark this time? Are you finally starting to get used to me being around you?"
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"Just do it.."
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He smirks, and disappears once more. I head back to my room and land face first into the bed as soon as I take my shoes off.
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***
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I was curled up in bed...I had another one of those pain shocks in my sleep, I can still feel some of the lingering pain from it tearing along my stomach. I turn, slowly to my back, but halfway into sliding into my new position, I feel a bump. I look behind me.
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Ciaran was snug beneath me, wrapped in a separate blanket. I sighed with an annoyed tone and returned back into my original position and staring at the late evening sky, which was a bright orange.
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It was almost time for the festival. Faintly, in the distance, I could hear the songs and chants of the Wildlife District.
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That's right...Ecluna...I thought to myself. I got up from bed and ran to Ecluna's room.
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There was no cheery response from Ecluna, just a concerned look when she opened the door.
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"I-Iris! Thank God, it's just you. The festival's about to start.."
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"Yeah, I know. I'm really sorry for oversleeping..."
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"It's alright, let's just hurry before...it happens again."
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She barely picks anything up and dashes to the door in urgency. I try to keep up with her as she fills the halls with her speedy footsteps.
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"We have to make it to the observatory, it's the only way I'll be safe."
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"Aren't there windows beside every exit?" I ask, almost out of breath.
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"I just have to look at the lunar eclipse for something to happen. If I keep my eyes forward, nothing can happen. I promise.."
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"Well, at least cover up your face or someth-"
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Just in the middle of my sentence, something crashed through the window, shattering it completely.
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I look around to find what the something was, and to my surprise...it was a person, dressed in festival clothing people were wearing that day..
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I shake them vigorously, trying desperately to see what happened.
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Then I realized...Ecluna was prone to looking at the eclipse, now full and blood red in the sky like an eyeball staring down at us from the abyss-like sky.
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"Ecluna?!" I stop shaking the unconscious body and call out Ecluna's name. I frantically wait for a response.
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"I...changed my mind..." I heard from the floor. Ecluna was down on her knees, face looking, straight as an arrow, at the floor.
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"What are you talking about?" I reach to pick her up, but her twinkling aura was no longer the tame breeze I had remembered. It was like walking into a tornado, I could feel the air play with my hair.
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"I don't want to go to the observatory.."
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"If you don't go you'll-"
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"Don't you understand?" She looks at me, chuckling to herself. I return the stare in fear as I realized. This wasn't Ecluna anymore...
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"Why did my mom ever let me stay hidden from the eclipse? This power...it's amazing.."
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I feel the Darken energy from my own body call itself into form, the veil of darkness that covered my face and the spikes that poked out of my clothes like spears all around my body.
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"Ecluna...get ahold of yourself!" the flames of my magic burned brilliantly around my fists.
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"Oh, come on Iris, there's no need for violence.." I see the ends of her golden-white hair turn as red as the eclipse forming outside.
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"You can join me, and we can be strong together, just like before, but better!"
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I feel her pull me up from the floor.
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"Ecluna, this isn't you! I-"
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"Of course it is! You just haven't seen me like this yet!"
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I grab ahold of her face.
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"Ecluna listen! Whatever's taking control of you, you need to let it go!"
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She lowers me to the floor.
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"Do you really believe that I'm being possessed by something?"
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Her voice becomes lower in pitch as her aura grows stronger.
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"Do you think that old me is the normal version of myself? Well, do you?"
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I couldn't answer, it was all so confusing to me..
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"I mean, I haven't even shown you the best part about my true self yet. The Eclipsian Kingdom will rise again, with me as it's ruler, and everyone as my people."
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I feel Espero's presence behind me. "I came as soon as I could. Ecluna's gone insane, as expected. Called Arelin as soon as I felt the spike in energy.." he whispered into my ear.
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"Espero, what a pleasant surprise! Can't stay a day without keeping Iris safe, huh?"
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"I feel like she needed help is all..."
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"Well, it doesn't look like anyone's coming..."
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Ecluna's now red ecliptic magic flared brightly as she pointed it at the both of us.
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"Such a shame really. I really thought you could be of some use," she shrugged. "Guess there's nothing left to do but to end you right here and now."
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Ecluna throws the magic in my direction. With my Light magic, I make a barrier to block her attack.
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"You can't keep dodging and blocking forever, Iris. Your magic has a limit, you know.."
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She continues to throw, and I continue to block and dodge as best I could, but eventually my magic breaks, and my shield shatters like glass into the air.
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"What's the matter?" She asks, tauntingly. "Can't keep playing on the defensive side?"
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She charges up another, stronger attack. There was nothing I could do but wait for my death to hit me.
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That's when I hear pacing footsteps in my direction. I look towards the noises, but I was barely able to react when the shadow pushes me out of the way.
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...Ecluna's attack fired. Because of the person who saved me, I was able to move out of the way, but when I looked up afterwards...
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Arelin's shield was at the brink of scattering into a million pieces. He calls it back, visibly tired.
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"Gasp! Arelin Orteino, saving his polar opposite from danger?"
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"I don't know what happened to you..but this needs to end. Right now.."
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"But why? I'm super powerful, and you..." Ecluna looks a little harder at Arelin.
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"I can feel it. You have Eclipsian blood!" She claps excitedly.
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"W-what?" He responds, confused.
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"Don't worry, Arelin! I just have to do something really quickly. You don't mind, right?"
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She pulls Arelin up to her in a ball of energy. "No wonder you wear things covering your neck."
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With my webs, I stop her.
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"Ecluna, stop it!" My Darken form starts to show more as I let my emotions escape through my voice. "Let him go!"
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"Iris, you've got to leave...before you get hurt too..."
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I wrap more webs around Ecluna's hands.
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"You're making this even harder on yourself."
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Ecluna pulls me off the floor with the webs I binded around her fingers, throwing me across the room and making me hit a wall behind me.
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"Now, if you would excuse me.."
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She pulls the neck of Arelin's sweater and places her hands around it, the space between it burning a brilliant red.
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I see the energy draining from Arelin's eyes. Ecluna promptly drops him and waits.
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Arelin's transformation was similar to Ecluna's. The ends of his hair turn the same, blood moon red. As he begins to stand up, he stares menacingly into my being while I stare back in horror.
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He starts walking towards me...
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